Tsunami alert after 7.0 quake off California coast [Video]

Tsunami waves were expected to start hitting the California coast Thursday after a powerful earthquake struck offshore, US seismologists said.

The 7.0-magnitude quake was recorded at a depth of just 10 kilometers (six miles), almost 100 kilometers west-southwest of Ferndale, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Smartphone users received warnings urging them to move to higher ground immediately, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

“A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you,” the warning said. “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters.”

The paper said tsunami warning sirens were activated along a stretch of the coast, including in Bonny Doon in Santa Cruz County.

The first waves were expected to hit the San Francisco area around 12.10 pm (2010 GMT).

“Based on preliminary earthquake parameters… hazardous tsunami are possible for coasts located within 300 KM of the earthquake epicenter,” said a warning issued …